What is the ISTEP Test?

Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus(usually referred to simply as ISTEP or ISTEP+) is an annual No Child Left Behind test designed by the Indiana Department of Education to measure students’ mastery of basic skills, particularly reading, writing, and mathematics. Before 2009 it was administered in the fall; beginning the 2009-10 school year it was administered in the spring. All students in grades 3 through 8 and high school sophomores take the ISTEP+ each spring, with language arts and math covered in each test. Additionally, students in grades 4 and 6 are tested in science and 5 and 7 on social studies. The test consists of two components: a written test, usually in March, and a Multiple-choice test over the same subjects in April.

Successfully completing the final (grade 10) ISTEP+ Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE) is not necessary to graduate from an Indiana public high school. This test covers English/Language Arts and Mathematics. If a student does not pass this test, he or she is placed in remediation classes the following semester for the subject(s) that he or she failed and will remain in these classes until the semester after passing both sections. Students can retake the exam during their junior and senior year of high school.

Beginning in the 2009-2010 school year the GQE was replaced by two End of Course Assessments (commonly known as ECAs), one for Algebra I and one for English 10, which functionally serve the same purpose and, like the GQE, can be retaken twice a year until students pass or reach the end of their senior years. During the 2012-2013 school year an ECA for Biology was added as a requirement for incoming freshmen.

ISTEP High School Math Test Prep Course

Below is our online ISTEP High School Math test prep course. We provide the exact tutoring and practice tests you need to ace the ISTEP High School Math test.

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Whole numbers and integers

Fractions

Decimals

Ratio, proportion, and percent

Geometry

Measurement

Probability and statistics

Simplifying

Equations

Word problems

Inequalities, functions, and graphing

Linear equations

Systems of equations

Exponents and polynomials

Factoring

Rational expressions and radicals

Quadratics

What kind of math is on the ISTEP High School test?

The math questions on the ISTEP High School test cover the following courses: Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Geometry. Make sure your math review only includes the topics that are covered on the test - nothing more and nothing less. The best ISTEP High School test prep programs won’t waste your time on material you don’t need.

How do you pass the ISTEP High School math test?

If you’re worried about how to pass the ISTEP High School math test, here are some tips to help you meet the challenge.

Manage test anxiety. Get plenty of rest and exercise while preparing for the ISTEP High School test. Learn some relaxation techniques that work for you, and don’t forget to eat and drink on exam day.
Be ready for the exam. We recommend at least 1 to 3 months of ISTEP High School math review beforehand. Knowing you can do the math will give you great confidence on exam day.
Avoid doing problems in your head. Instead, write out the solution steps using pencil and paper. The best ISTEP High School math prep courses will include guided solutions that show all the work in an organized manner, providing a model to follow when setting up and solving math problems.
Read the questions carefully. It’s also a good idea to draw pictures and highlight keywords if allowed. Finally, don’t forget to use the calculator if it’s available. It would be a shame to give wrong answers due to minor arithmetic errors.
Don’t stress if you can’t answer a question. Go through the problems in order, but skip the ones that seem difficult and go back to them later (if this is allowed). As you answer the easier questions, you’ll gain the confidence you need to tackle the harder problems. For multiple choice questions, don’t be fooled by distractors, and remember to substitute answer choices as a strategy for solving the more difficult problems.
Use all of the time allowed for the test. If you finish, go back and rework the problems, but don’t change an answer unless you’re certain there’s an error (if this is allowed).

Is the ISTEP High School math test hard?

The math on the ISTEP High School test won’t seem hard if you’re thoroughly prepared and confident on test day. To be sure you can rely on your skills, you’ll need more preparation than a dry textbook or practice problems without explanations can provide. To make your review worthwhile, build a strong math foundation by using an ISTEP High School prep course that includes engaging video lessons that are clear and concise, followed by guided practice problems with audio explanations, and short interactive assessments to measure your understanding.

How do I prepare for the ISTEP High School math test?

The best way to prepare for the ISTEP High School math test is to follow the steps listed below.

Gather information about the ISTEP High School by visiting the official test website. Learn about the structure of the exam, when and where it’s administered, and how to register for it.
Find a quiet place to practice each day. If possible, find a study partner as well.
Make a schedule for daily study time. Commit to spending at least one to two hours per day on ISTEP High School math prep. Be sure to take short breaks.
Get math help in the form of an ISTEP High School test prep program. A good math review will include built-in background review, video instruction in every lesson, plenty of practice, interactive tests to keep you engaged, and grade reports to monitor your progress.
Understand the concepts that are covered on the test. Choose an efficient ISTEP High School math test prep course that uses diagnostic quizzes to focus your learning on the exact skills you’ll need.
Take an ISTEP High School math practice test. The best way to judge your readiness is by finishing off your ISTEP High School math study guide with a cumulative final exam that generates new questions each time you take it.

Is ISTEP High School tutoring worth it?

Tutoring can make a big difference in your test score, so it’s worth it if you can afford the high price. However, the hourly cost for an ISTEP High School math tutor runs from $40 to $100 or more, which is out of reach for most students. Fortunately, there are other ways to get the math help you need besides expensive private tutorials. For example, online courses that feature comprehensive instruction and guided practice questions can be just as effective and won’t break the bank.

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